I fasted for roughly 72 hours giver or take. Nothing but water. But the fasting only concluded what I already had guessed- that food and acne have a minimal correlation. My acne did not improve per se within those 72 hours or the days to follow. The days following I ate very little, only green veggies and such. If my acne had been caused from say caffeine, chocolate, sodas, bad dieting, ect... I feel I should have noticed at least some relief. I believe very strongly that acne is more hormonal\stress related then anything else. Perhaps if I had fasted longer I would have finally started noticing improvements. I know studys have shown that fasting does help acne, but these tests generally involved much longer fasts (10+ days). Just thought I'd share.

Why would you purposely fast for that long?

That is a lot of time to go without any kind of nutrient in take.

I'm not sold on the fasting thing as i believe a lot more research is needed albeit a lot of interesting data is coming out of it.

However, as already stated i would suggest getting your daily in take in to 5 hour window.

I fasted for roughly 72 hours giver or take. Nothing but water. But the fasting only concluded what I already had guessed- that food and acne have a minimal correlation. My acne did not improve per se within those 72 hours or the days to follow. The days following I ate very little, only green veggies and such. If my acne had been caused from say caffeine, chocolate, sodas, bad dieting, ect... I feel I should have noticed at least some relief. I believe very strongly that acne is more hormonal\stress related then anything else. Perhaps if I had fasted longer I would have finally started noticing improvements. I know studys have shown that fasting does help acne, but these tests generally involved much longer fasts (10+ days). Just thought I'd share.

Why would you purposely fast for that long?

That is a lot of time to go without any kind of nutrient in take.

I'm not sold on the fasting thing as i believe a lot more research is needed albeit a lot of interesting data is coming out of it.

However, as already stated i would suggest getting your daily in take in to 5 hour window.

I fasted that long to basically give my digestive system a rest and to remove any toxins and unwanted waste my body had been storing- there are TONS of benefits to fasting-- just google

I take these supplements daily to keep my skin at an acceptable level:

Here's a comment by a dude who had great success with intermittent fasting. I'll link to the article as well. Plenty of others seem to have had great success too

"I've been doing intermittent fasting since February and I only have great things to say for it! I'm a 24 year old male who works a 9-5 and is very active ( I work out 6 times a week....5 days of weights, 3 days of boxing, and a 4 and 7 mile run.) I started Intermittent fasting because I was terrified of getting fat after starting my job. I started with skipping breakfast..and then slowly pushing my lunch back. It turned into a Dinner to Dinner fast that I did 3 times a week! Initially there is some adjustment but I realize that what we often mistake as physical hunger is psychological! This plan allows me to eat freely on my off days as well! Finally I'm actually in the best shape of my life and my world no longer revolves around my diet...that freedom is amazingly liberating! Please do it gradually and I say "Don't knock it till you try it!" Good Luck!"

Here's a comment by a dude who had great success with intermittent fasting. I'll link to the article as well. Plenty of others seem to have had great success too

"I've been doing intermittent fasting since February and I only have great things to say for it! I'm a 24 year old male who works a 9-5 and is very active ( I work out 6 times a week....5 days of weights, 3 days of boxing, and a 4 and 7 mile run.) I started Intermittent fasting because I was terrified of getting fat after starting my job. I started with skipping breakfast..and then slowly pushing my lunch back. It turned into a Dinner to Dinner fast that I did 3 times a week! Initially there is some adjustment but I realize that what we often mistake as physical hunger is psychological! This plan allows me to eat freely on my off days as well! Finally I'm actually in the best shape of my life and my world no longer revolves around my diet...that freedom is amazingly liberating! Please do it gradually and I say "Don't knock it till you try it!" Good Luck!"

Here's a comment by a dude who had great success with intermittent fasting. I'll link to the article as well. Plenty of others seem to have had great success too

"I've been doing intermittent fasting since February and I only have great things to say for it! I'm a 24 year old male who works a 9-5 and is very active ( I work out 6 times a week....5 days of weights, 3 days of boxing, and a 4 and 7 mile run.) I started Intermittent fasting because I was terrified of getting fat after starting my job. I started with skipping breakfast..and then slowly pushing my lunch back. It turned into a Dinner to Dinner fast that I did 3 times a week! Initially there is some adjustment but I realize that what we often mistake as physical hunger is psychological! This plan allows me to eat freely on my off days as well! Finally I'm actually in the best shape of my life and my world no longer revolves around my diet...that freedom is amazingly liberating! Please do it gradually and I say "Don't knock it till you try it!" Good Luck!"

Here's a comment by a dude who had great success with intermittent fasting. I'll link to the article as well. Plenty of others seem to have had great success too

"I've been doing intermittent fasting since February and I only have great things to say for it! I'm a 24 year old male who works a 9-5 and is very active ( I work out 6 times a week....5 days of weights, 3 days of boxing, and a 4 and 7 mile run.) I started Intermittent fasting because I was terrified of getting fat after starting my job. I started with skipping breakfast..and then slowly pushing my lunch back. It turned into a Dinner to Dinner fast that I did 3 times a week! Initially there is some adjustment but I realize that what we often mistake as physical hunger is psychological! This plan allows me to eat freely on my off days as well! Finally I'm actually in the best shape of my life and my world no longer revolves around my diet...that freedom is amazingly liberating! Please do it gradually and I say "Don't knock it till you try it!" Good Luck!"

That's what I'm worried about. Let me try to describe my body type: I'm 6'2", and only weigh 160lbs. But I'm no teen, I'm pushing 25. I'm a very thin guy if you couldn't tell by my description-- but with A LOT of muscle. My body requires a constant source of carb/protein just to maintain it, I don't have any fat to spare. I fasted for 72 hrs about 2 weeks ago & dropped a little below 155 (i'm sure some of that was water weight) but I literally have to gorge myself just to maintain my weight.

I will say this much for all those hardcore body builders out there... my 3 day fast did NOT hurt my strength. In fact, it was 2 days after my fast that I got my new max, 275. From what I understand, people get stronger after fasting. Not weaker. Phenomenon no doubt!

I take these supplements daily to keep my skin at an acceptable level:

I will read through all this properly so apologies if my post is put of place, they usually are anyway so.

In the past whenever i went large periods without food, for one reason or another, i associated it with being run down, skin breaking out and getting ill. I told myself this was because my immune system must be run down from lack of food etc. I always thought you had to eat regularly but it turns out this has all been questioned and may not be the case after all so for the last few months or so i have self imposed not eating on myself in the mornings and maybe afternoons. I am doing this because it is easy and actually convenient, ie get out of bed, brush teeth, leave house = save time etc. I only go ~14-18 hours without eating though, So far it hasn't seemed to make slightest difference to my skin and if anything my skin has been worse although may have nothing to do with fasting.

God gave us everything we need; the earth to live on, animals to feast on, vegetables to make side dishes and fruit to be eaten in moderation.

The devil put grains, beats and sugarcane on the earth to tempt us.

For approximately 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago most of us strayed away from temptation but the devils influence grew stronger and eventually we swayed to his evil ways.

God new that those whose faith was strong would never fall to temptation so he punished those who took to the pleasures of grains and sugar by not giving us the ability to digest grains and making sugar poisonous, eventually leading to all kinds of health problems including acne.

But some wanted there cake and to eat it too, free of health problems, so they made a pact with the devil and sold their soul's for acne free skin.

We see these people consuming delicious breaded, dough based meals, baked goods and confectioneries but with crystal clear skin.These people are walking with the devil!!They are the spawn of satan!!

I will read through all this properly so apologies if my post is put of place, they usually are anyway so.

In the past whenever i went large periods without food, for one reason or another, i associated it with being run down, skin breaking out and getting ill. I told myself this was because my immune system must be run down from lack of food etc. I always thought you had to eat regularly but it turns out this has all been questioned and may not be the case after all so for the last few months or so i have self imposed not eating on myself in the mornings and maybe afternoons. I am doing this because it is easy and actually convenient, ie get out of bed, brush teeth, leave house = save time etc. I only go ~14-18 hours without eating though, So far it hasn't seemed to make slightest difference to my skin and if anything my skin has been worse although may have nothing to do with fasting.

HAHAHA, your signature is hilarious- but that's another subject for another time.

I'm finding that my acne is mainly caused by an inadequate supply of vitamins and minerals. I know for a fact that for months I was not getting my required dosage of vitamin C. I knew this because I rarely ate fruits- and I strayed away from fresh vegetables. Needless to say, once I got on my vitamin kick- I've seen wonderful improvements to my overall complexion. I say all this to say, I know fasting has its benefits-- I'm a believer in fasting--but if your body is lacking a certain vitamin or mineral to function properly-- fasting is not going to magically "fix" this. Makes sense to me anyways.

I take these supplements daily to keep my skin at an acceptable level:

That's what I'm worried about. Let me try to describe my body type: I'm 6'2", and only weigh 160lbs. But I'm no teen, I'm pushing 25. I'm a very thin guy if you couldn't tell by my description-- but with A LOT of muscle. My body requires a constant source of carb/protein just to maintain it, I don't have any fat to spare. I fasted for 72 hrs about 2 weeks ago & dropped a little below 155 (i'm sure some of that was water weight) but I literally have to gorge myself just to maintain my weight.

I will say this much for all those hardcore body builders out there... my 3 day fast did NOT hurt my strength. In fact, it was 2 days after my fast that I got my new max, 275. From what I understand, people get stronger after fasting. Not weaker. Phenomenon no doubt!

Im in the same boat because im a long distance runner by hobby. Granted with college and all i dont run as often as i would like but i certainly cannot afford physically to fast without major repercussions. I'm already down to less than 14, maybe even 10 percent body fat. I weight 164 and most of that is muscle i so also need my carbs/protein as well. And im trying to put on weight for xmas break so i can get back into running and do weights as well. I eat roughly every 2-4 hrs that im awake and its worse when im studyin for exams.

Nurses quietly go about their work in a noble profession, uncelebrated soldiers toiling through the days and nights in service to the sick, the injured and the dying.

When I ate every 2 to 4 hours my skin was at its worst. My body fat % was low as well then. Eating at that frequency will keep you in an anabolic state, acne, inflammation, poor healing, and your insulin levels will be riding high, especially IGF-1 (which ironically is what you want to build big muscles), insulin resistance.
I'm still muscular though even though I am now at 2000 calories with just 3 meals a day, though people would describe me as athletic not muscle bound.

Edited by Rubbish, 14 October 2012 - 04:49 AM.

Three meals only a day, no snacking, no alcohol (since 3 years ago), no red meat, no refined sugars (I count honey and fruit juices are refined), no added oils or fats. 2000 Calories a day. Tend to eat all kinds of fish (oily as well) and birds like chicken or turkey, no lamb or pork or beef. Shave every day with single blade razor in morning shower (skin wet for 5 minutes) using shave gel from an aerosol can, wash face with cleanser once after then rinse. Rest of day, just use water only (when needed, at gym for instance). 99% clear. Skin condition very good, can wear clothes without ruining them, used to ruin them when I used to use BP.

scov93, can you detaiil us a bit more on your fasting procedure? Do you do the 16/8 hour fast every day? How long did it take you to see improvement in your acne? also, how severe was your acne before? I am very interested in trying this and being a guinea pig. thank you

That's what I'm worried about. Let me try to describe my body type: I'm 6'2", and only weigh 160lbs. But I'm no teen, I'm pushing 25. I'm a very thin guy if you couldn't tell by my description-- but with A LOT of muscle. My body requires a constant source of carb/protein just to maintain it, I don't have any fat to spare. I fasted for 72 hrs about 2 weeks ago &amp; dropped a little below 155 (i'm sure some of that was water weight) but I literally have to gorge myself just to maintain my weight.

I will say this much for all those hardcore body builders out there... my 3 day fast did NOT hurt my strength. In fact, it was 2 days after my fast that I got my new max, 275. From what I understand, people get stronger after fasting. Not weaker. Phenomenon no doubt!

So don't fast for 3 days. That isn't what this thread or intermittent fasting is about.

scov93, can you detaiil us a bit more on your fasting procedure? Do you do the 16/8 hour fast every day? How long did it take you to see improvement in your acne? also, how severe was your acne before? I am very interested in trying this and being a guinea pig. thank you

sorry i meant to say 20/4 hour fast not 16/8

I thought you already did this?

Status: Clear after 30 years. Wow, I guess it's been 6 years, now.

[ Story: Severe Acne since I was 10. 10+ years of Dermatologists, Antibiotics, topicals and ACCUTANE did nothing. Discovered oranges triggered the worst of my cystic acne = about 70% improvement. Tried some nutrient supplements like B-complex with zinc and C, saw palmetto and a BHA like the aspirin mask = more improvement, a lot less oily. Then, Diet changes = Clear.

Regimen: Anti-inflammatory, nutrient dense, blood sugar stabilizing diet and supplements (for hormones, inflammation, aging, health). No soap or other cleanser except for hand washing! Water only or Oil cleanse. Aloe Vera mixed with niacinimide and a high linoleic acid oil for moisturizer and reduce pigmentation.

scov93, can you detaiil us a bit more on your fasting procedure? Do you do the 16/8 hour fast every day? How long did it take you to see improvement in your acne? also, how severe was your acne before? I am very interested in trying this and being a guinea pig. thank you

sorry i meant to say 20/4 hour fast not 16/8

hi joner

ive been fasting for about 3 months now. my acne was at its worse about 18 months ago and at this point i had moderate to severe acne all over my face and back. since then my skin has been improving very slowly. since i started fasting my skin seems to heal a lot faster than before and my red marks are fading well. i dont breakout anywhere near as often as i use to although i do admit i have had quite a few active spots appear in these 3 months but not often and as is usually the case with acne you cant just expect it to go instantly all treatment and regimens etc they will take time but for me this has been the most affective way treating my acne and improving my general health.

as for how and what i eat. fast for a 20 hour period and eat for 4 hours. i fit 3 meals into this period and usually fit in 2500-3000 calories. i don't eat any wheat, dairy or soy. i stay away from all sugars accept in fruit and only drink water. i sometimes have a "cheat" day on Sunday just to relax, if you can go 6 days a week fasting 20 hours per day you deserve a treat.

Me? I have not yet tried intermittent fasting but I am starting today.